Saturday, 15 January 2011

During the 1970s public schools attempted to re-invent themselves, the need for change was apparent. The overwhelming image was fagging, boys beating boys, bullying, single-sex education, cold showers, over crowded dormitories and rotten food. There was a move away from boarding education, some schools admitted girls and became co-educational, fagging was abolished and new dormitories were built with private accommodation.

Only 13% of pupils at public schools are boarders, however, it's interesting to note that many of the most exclusive and expensive schools are still single sex and/or mainly boarding. This isn't an attempt to name the 'top 30' public schools but based on tradition and expense...